[tippyclubb]

I always wanted to be 5'7 and now I am. Finally, I can wear those 4 inch high hells I always loved but now they hurt my darn feet. When I was 5'9 I preferred the 2-3 inch heels so I didn't tower over everyone.

Doctor's have suggested going on Boniva or Fosamax to reduce and slow further shrinking. After reading the side effects on both of them I think I'll pass. Plus, I have heard some horror stories from women who have taken these drugs. Not good. Anyone taking these drugs with no bad effects?

At the rate I'm shrinking I'll be 5'2 in 10 years. Then I'll be searching for shoe lifts. I'm finding as I grow older you have to age with a great sense of humor.

[slipcovers]

Get the book "The Myth of Osteoporosis" by Gillian Sanson(sp?) You can get a used copy on Amazon. Read the reviews first. Everyone I know, over 60 is shrinking.

[OBXNana]

I'm over 60 and still 5'2". Maybe shorter people don't shrink as much? I'm a believer in tums. When I turned 45 and had to have female surgery, my GYN told me to begin chewing Ultra Tums twice a day and take Vitamin D. You would need to check with your doctor, but seems to be a recommendation by many in our area. There are no side effects from this remedy.

[gerryann]

Do a search on osteoporosis here on TOTV. There is quite a bit of info....pro and con for the drugs. I chose to try some of the suggestions. I take calcium, D3. K2, Lactoferrin. I won't know till my next DEXA scan if it is helping. Dr wanted me to take the drugs....I chose not to due to the potential side effects.

[Ecuadog]

Mickey Rooney once said that he was 6 feet tall before he married Ava Gardner. Blame it on your mate.

[courtyard]

To stop you from losing height, you should watch "Classic Stretch-The Esmonde Technique" on Cable TV. It's on daily M-F, and is only 23 minutes long. Ms. Esmonde is former ballet dancer that has successfully worked with many famous athletes to increase muscle tone and with older folks to keep them from shrinking ;-)

[dotti105]

I have had my bone density checked every couple of years after turning 55.

When first done, I was shocked to find that I already had osteoporosis. Early menopause was the culprit I think. Having osteoarthritis, I didn't want the double whammy which could easily end up with fractures, etc.

I started Boniva and have had absolutely no side affects. After taking Boniva monthly for a year, my bone density had dramatically increased. I continue to take it. I personally think it would be foolish to ignore signs of osteoporosis. The complications can be severe and life altering.

BTW, I am 4'11", always was, no loss of height. I am happy to protect the integrity of my bone structure, and would encourage others to not ignore signs of low bone density!! There are serious complications that can be avoided.